Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman, once considered the epitome of a Hollywood power couple, faced a public breakup in 2017 after 35 years of marriage. Their split, which saddened fans who admired their enduring union, came as a surprise, especially given their lengthy relationship of nearly 50 years.
DeVito and Perlman’s love story began before their respective breakthroughs on “Taxi” and “Cheers.” Despite the apparent perfection of their relationship, it had its peculiarities. However, their shared commitment to family remained a constant. The couple had three children together—Lucy, born in 1983; Grace, born in 1985; and Jacob, born in 1987.
Perlman, despite achieving significant success with Golden Globe nominations and four Emmy wins, always prioritized her family. She emphasized the paramount importance of family, stating that, for her, it surpassed the significance of her career on “Cheers.”
The end of DeVito and Perlman’s marriage was marked by on-and-off phases. The first separation occurred in October 2012, described by DeVito as a temporary and close separation. Sources suggested that DeVito’s intense focus on work, particularly his role in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” had strained their marriage.
DeVito’s efforts to mend the relationship included indulging Perlman in her favorite activities and fine dining. Despite rumors of a potential infidelity, the couple reconciled, emphasizing their enduring love for each other.
Following the 2017 split, Perlman and DeVito expressed their intention not to divorce officially. They maintained a close friendship and continued to prioritize their family. Perlman asserted that they agreed on enough aspects to avoid the need for a formal divorce, and they remained an integral part of each other’s lives.
Perlman acknowledged occasional nostalgic feelings about their past together but recognized the evolution of their relationship into a different, yet valuable, phase. She admitted the challenges of living alone but found companionship in her dog, referring to it as her “partner in life.”
Reflecting on their unique journey, Perlman acknowledged the unconventional nature of their post-split relationship, expressing gratitude for their ability to navigate challenges and maintain a sense of family. Their enduring friendship and shared history continue to shape their lives, proving that even after the end of their marriage, DeVito and Perlman remain an inseparable part of each other’s stories.
